Lintel block and method

ABSTRACT

A modular lintel block includes a rectangular base member, a first rectangular side member, a second rectangular side member and a plurality of spacer members. The base member has a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side. The first side member is coupled to the first longitudinal side of the base member. The second side member is spaced from the first side member and is coupled to the second longitudinal side of the base member. The plurality of spacer members are coupled between the first and second side members. A method of forming a lintel in a block wall is provided that includes the steps of constructing the block wall with an opening using a plurality of construction blocks coupled together by a cementing slurry. A modular lintel block is installed and secured into the block wall above the opening with the cementing slurry.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention generally relates to a lintel block, which ismounted in a block wall. More specifically, the present inventionrelates to an embeddable lintel block, which is permanently secured orlaid within a concrete block or masonry wall during normal constructionto provide a strong lintel in a security facility such as a jail,prison, juvenile detention center, psychiatric hospital, etc.

[0003] 2. Background Information

[0004] Many buildings are currently being constructed of concrete blocksor the like to form a masonry block wall. Moreover, certain buildingsand public facilities, such as jails, prisons, juvenile detentioncenters, and psychiatric hospitals, often require the interior walls tobe constructed of concrete blocks. To maximize security, these types offacilities have wall constructions that often require the interiors ofthe blocks to have cement poured into the cavity or cavities of the wallblocks. These wall constructions also often require that the cavitieshave one or more reinforcing rods extending from the interior of theblocks into the concrete blocks that are above and below.

[0005] One recent improvement in concrete block walls has been the useof steel blocks, which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,391, issuedto Harry R. Layne, on Jul. 22, 1997. This patent discloses a steelblock, which is embedded into the concrete wall. This patent discloseswelding the furniture or accessory to the wall. Moreover, this patentalso teaches having fasteners formed on the steel block. However, thispatent does not teach how to provide lintels in concrete block walls formounting above openings in the block walls.

[0006] Typically, conventional structural beams and concrete masonryunits (U-shaped concrete members) filled with concrete and reinforcedare laid above openings in block walls to support blocks above theopening, after which steel plates are affixed to the face of theconcrete masonry units so that attachments can be welded to the faceplate. Openings are often needed in block walls for entries, windows, orother purposes. In many applications, it is necessary to attach devicesto the face or underside of lintels, such as sliding prison doors,rollup doors and windows. In these instances concrete masonry blocklintels must have steel plate weldments attached to the face orunderside of the concrete masonry units. Typically, when structuralbeams are used for lintels, the structural beams are cut to the desiredlength and mounted above the openings. These beams can be difficult tocut. Additionally, when beams are used for lintels, a steel face platemust be welded to the beam so as to provide a flat surface forattachment purposes. These methods are often unattractive and oftenrequire special fitting, plastering and/or patching by the mason wheninstalled. These procedures can be difficult and time consuming for themason, and expensive. Furthermore, it can be difficult to integrateconventional beams into block walls constructed for secure facilitiessuch as jails, prisons, juvenile detention centers, and psychiatrichospitals. In these types of facilities, construction techniques areoften utilized to increase the strength of the walls. For example, thecinder blocks of these walls are often filled with cement and verticalreinforcing bars to form a continuous wall structure, as mentionedabove. U-shaped concrete masonry units and structural steel beams forlintels in detention areas result in added costs and less desirableprior construction methodology. Concrete masonry is strong incompression but weak in tension. This makes it difficult to attachanything to a lintel made of concrete masonry block units that might besubjected to vibrations due to external forces. Under suchcircumstances, tension in the concrete masonry blocks is unavoidable andfailure a strong possiblity.

[0007] It would be a benefit, therefore, to have an embeddable lintelblock that could be used in connection with a wall that did not providea gap between the wall and a mounting surface and that forms an integralpart of the wall construction. It would also be desirable to have amethod for mounting a lintel block permanently to a concrete block wallthat did not require special operations or skills of the mason.

[0008] In view of the above, there exists a need for a lintel blockwhich overcomes the above mentioned problems in the prior art. Thisinvention addresses this need in the prior art as well as other needs,which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] One object of the present invention is to provide a lintel blockthat can be easily mounted in a concrete block wall, a masonry wall or apre-cast concrete wall.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a lintelblock that will not require additional plastering or patching of thewall after installation.

[0011] A further object of the present invention is to provide a lintelblock that is very strong, yet relatively simple and inexpensive tomanufacture and assemble, after which, items can be welded or bolted tothe face or underside.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide alintel block that will fit into the normal confines of the spaceoccupied by standard masonry blocks in either a horizontal position orvertical position to eliminate extra fitting by the mason when thelintel block is installed.

[0013] The new lintel block in accordance with the present invention isdesigned to eliminate some of the problems that have been experienced bythe construction industry. The lintel block of the present inventionreduces the cost of installation and provides a permanently secure andstrong lintel with a relatively simple construction. The lintel block ofthe present invention allows for relatively simple attachment of devicesto the lintel by welding, bolts, etc. Preferably, the lintel block isthe size of a plurality of installed full size blocks laid horizontally(end to end) or vertically (side by side as so-called soldier courses)with cementing slurry arranged therebetween. Alternatively, the newlintel block of the present invention has a size that corresponds to twostacked rows of a predetermined number of installed blocks of a blockwall. In any event, the size of the lintel block preferably correspondsto the space normally occupied by a predetermined number of installedblocks or one-half blocks of a block wall (with or without cementingslurry arranged therebetween). The predetermined number of blocksdefining the size of the lintel will depend on the size of the blocks,the blocking arrangement and the desired size and strength of thelintel.

[0014] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention a lintelblock is provided that includes a rectangular base member, a firstrectangular side member, a second rectangular side member and aplurality of spacer members. The rectangular base member has a firstlongitudinal side and a second longitudinal side. The first rectangularside member is coupled to the first longitudinal side of the rectangularbase member. The second rectangular side member is spaced from the firstrectangular side member and is coupled to the second longitudinal sideof the rectangular base member. The plurality of spacer members arecoupled between the first and second rectangular side members.

[0015] In the lintel block of the present invention, the spacer membersare preferably configured to form a substantially straight longitudinalpassageway arranged between the first and second longitudinal sidemembers. A reinforcing bar is preferably coupled to the lintel blockwithin the longitudinal passageway. The first and second rectangularside members are preferably fixedly coupled to the first and secondlongitudinal sides, respectively to form a substantially U-shapedcross-section. The rectangular base member and the first and secondrectangular side members are preferably integrally formed together as aone-piece unitary member. Each of the spacers preferably includes afirst mounting flange fixedly coupled to the first longitudinal sidemember and a second mounting flange fixedly coupled to the secondlongitudinal side member. The lintel block is preferably constructed ofmetal. Preferably, the lintel block includes at least four spacermembers that are fixedly coupled to the first and second rectangularside members by welding. The rectangular base member preferably has afirst opening arranged at a first end of the lintel block and a secondopening arranged at a second end of the lintel block.

[0016] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, amethod of forming a lintel in a block wall is provided that includes thesteps of constructing the block wall with an opening using a pluralityof construction blocks coupled together by a cementing slurry, andinstalling and securing a modular lintel block into the block wall abovethe opening with the cementing slurry. The modular lintel block has aheight and width substantially equal to a corresponding height and widthof the construction blocks, and a length larger than a correspondinglength of one of the construction blocks. The modular lintel blockbasically includes a rectangular base member, a first rectangular sidemember, a second rectangular side member and a plurality of spacermembers. The rectangular base member has a first longitudinal side and asecond longitudinal side. The first rectangular side member is coupledto the first longitudinal side of the rectangular base member. Thesecond rectangular side member is spaced from the first rectangular sidemember and is coupled to the second longitudinal side of the rectangularbase member. The plurality of spacer members are coupled between thefirst and second rectangular side members.

[0017] In the method of the present invention, the length of the modularlintel block is preferably substantially equal to a predeterminedinteger multiple of one-half lengths of the construction blocks. Thespacer members are preferably configured to form a substantiallystraight longitudinal passageway arranged between the first and secondlongitudinal side members. A lintel reinforcing bar is optionallycoupled to the modular lintel block within the longitudinal passageway.The rectangular base member preferably has a first opening arranged at afirst end of the modular lintel block and a second opening arranged at asecond end of the modular lintel block. Preferably, first and secondwall reinforcing bars are provided and inserted in the first and secondopenings of the modular lintel block. The cementing slurring ispreferably poured into the modular lintel block. Preferably, the modularlintel block includes at least four spacer members and is constructed ofmetal.

[0018] These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of thepresent invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with theannexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

[0020]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embeddable lintel blockin accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the lintel block illustrated in FIG.1;

[0022]FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the lintel block illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0023]FIG. 4 is an enlarged end elevational view of the lintel blockillustrated in FIGS. 1-3;

[0024]FIG. 5 a partial perspective view of the embeddable lintel blockillustrated in FIGS. 1-4 after being partially mounted in a block wallin accordance with the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 6 a partial perspective view of the embeddable lintel blockillustrated in FIGS. 1-4 after being mounted in a block wall inaccordance with the present invention.

[0026]FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a modified embeddable lintelblock in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0027]FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the lintel block illustrated in FIG.7;

[0028]FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the lintel block illustratedin FIGS. 7 and 8;

[0029]FIG. 10 is an enlarged end elevational view of the lintel blockillustrated in FIGS. 7-9;

[0030]FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a modified embeddablelintel block in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0031]FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the lintel block illustrated in FIG.11;

[0032]FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the lintel block illustratedin FIGS. 11 and 12; and

[0033]FIG. 14 is an enlarged end elevational view of the lintel blockillustrated in FIGS. 11-13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Referring initially to FIGS. 1-4, an embeddable lintel or lintelblock 10 is illustrated in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. The lintel block 10 basically includes a rectangular basemember 12, a pair of generally rectangular side members 14 and 16 and aplurality of spacer members 18. Preferably, these members are allconstructed of metal plates fixedly coupled together to form anelongated unitary metal unit. The members 12, 14, 16 and 18 arepreferably fixedly coupled together by welding, other conventional metalfastening means and/or constructed together as a unitary member ormembers, as discussed below. Of course, the lintel block 10 could beconstructed of other materials if needed and/or desired.

[0035] As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the embeddable lintel block 10 isembedded within a block wall 11 constructed of construction blocks 13such as cinder blocks, concrete blocks or masonry blocks. The embeddablelintel block 10 is designed to be grouted just like the constructionblocks 13 (i.e. cinder blocks, concrete blocks or masonry blocks). Thus,the lintel block 10 fits into the normal confines of the space occupiedby a plurality of standard construction blocks in either a horizontalposition or vertical position to eliminate extra fitting by the mason asthe lintel block 10 is installed.

[0036] Referring again to FIGS. 1-4, the embeddable lintel block 10 ispreferably an elongated rectangular modular block that is sized to fitin a space normally occupied by a plurality of the construction blocks13. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the embeddablelintel block 10 is sized to fit in a space normally occupied by aplurality cinder blocks, concrete blocks or masonry blocks (i.e.utilized as the construction blocks 13 in the illustrated embodiment).As seen in FIG. 1, the embeddable lintel block 10 has a height or width“A”, a length “B” and a depth or width “C”. The height “A” is preferablybetween about seven inches and seventeen inches (i.e. between the heightof a single standard concrete block and the height of a pair of stackedinstalled standard concrete blocks) in the illustrated embodiment.

[0037] The lintel block 10 could have a height “A” corresponding to thelength of an installed standard concrete block (i.e. if standard blocksare positioned vertically, side by side as so-called soldier courses).The length “B” is preferably between about forty-two inches and abouteighty inches for a lintel block 10 having a height “A” of a singledstandard concrete block. Of course, the length “B” could be longer thaneighty inches if needed and/or desired, as long as the lintel block 10has sufficient strength. For example, in a lintel block 10 longer thaneighty inches (i.e. up to about one-hundred-thirteen inches), the height“A” should be increased to the height of a pair of stacked installedstandard concrete blocks (about fifteen and five-eighths inches). In anyevent, the length “B” preferably corresponds to the length of apredetermined number of installed standard concrete (cinder) blocksmounted either vertically or horizontally.

[0038] More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the lintelblock 10 preferably has a height “A” of approximately seven andfive-eighths (7⅝″) inches, a length “B” of approximately sixty-seven(67″) inches and a depth “C” of approximately seven and five-eighths(7⅝″) inches. This size of block 10 allows the block to completely fillthe space normally occupied by a row of horizontal cinder blocks,concrete blocks or masonry blocks (installed in a wall). While theembeddable lintel block 10 is illustrated with a single block height(i.e. the height “A” the size of one cinder block), it will be apparentto those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the lintel block10 can have other sizes as needed and/or desired. For example, lintelblock 10 could be constructed to have a height of a double block (i.e.the height “A” the size of two stacked cinder blocks, or a verticalcinder block), or any suitable size as needed and or desired. Of course,the dimensions of the lintel block 10 will depend on the size of theconstruction blocks used in the wall, the size of the opening and themortaring procedures used in constructing the wall. The size of thelintel block 10 will also depend on the desired strength of the linteland the blocking arrangement used in constructing the block wall.

[0039] In any event, the lintel block 10 is preferably a modular lintelblock that has a height “A” and width “C” substantially equal to acorresponding height and width of the construction blocks 13 of theblock wall 11, and a length “B” larger than a corresponding length ofone of the construction blocks 13 of the block wall. The length “B” ofthe modular lintel block 10 is preferably substantially equal to apredetermined integer multiple of one-half lengths of the constructionblocks 13. Thus, the height “A”, length “B” and width/depth “C” dependon the type of construction blocks 13 utilized in the block wall 11. Inother words, the length “B” of the modular lintel block 10 preferablycorresponds to the length of a predetermined number of constructionblocks 13 or a predetermined number of blocks 13 plus one-half of oneblock 13. Moreover, the length “B” can correspond to substantially theexact length of the predetermined number of blocks 13 mountedhorizontally or vertically (plus optionally a one-half block), or beslightly longer to account for spacing between the construction blocks13.

[0040] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that the members 12, 14, 16 and 18 can be constructed assingle separate members or of several plates which are fixedly securedtogether by suitable means such as welding. Moreover, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that some orall of these plate members 12, 14, 16 and 18 can be constructed from asingle plate which is bent to form two or more of the metal platemembers. For example, the rectangular base member 12 and the first andsecond rectangular plate members 14 and 16 can be integrally formed bybending a single metal plate into a U-shaped member, or formed of threeseparate plates welded together. Thus, it is relatively easy to attachother devices such as doors or windows to the flat surfaces of thelintel block 10 by welding, bolts, etc.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the rectangular base member 12 andthe first and second rectangular side members 14 and 16 are preferablyconstructed of one-quarter (¼″) inch mild steel plates (ASTM A-36) andhave thicknesses, which are substantially equal to each other. However,lesser/higher gauges of steel can be used if applicable. The first andsecond rectangular side members 14 and 16 each have a height “A” ofabout seven and five-eighths (7{fraction (5/8)}″) inches and a length“B” of about sixty-seven (67″) inches. The depth “C” of block 10 ispreferably about seven and five-eighths (7⅝ ) inches, as mentionedabove. Thus, the rectangular base member 12 preferably has a width ofapproximately seven and five-eighths (7⅝″) inches and a length of aboutsixty-seven (67″) inches.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, rounded corners are formed betweenthe base member 12 and the first and second side members 14 and 16. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the base member 12 and first and second sidemembers 14 and 16 are preferably formed by bending a single flat sheetof one-quarter (¼″) inch mild steel plate (ASTM A-36). Thus, in theillustrated embodiment, the base member 12 and the first and second sidemembers 14 and 16 are preferably integrally formed together as aone-piece, unitary member with a substantially U-shaped cross-section.The rounded corners can be considered part of the base member 12 and/orthe side members 14 and 16. In any event, the lintel block 10 preferablyhas a total height “A” of approximately seven and five-eighths (7⅝″)inches, a total length “B” of approximately sixty-seven (67″) inches anda total depth “C” of approximately seven and five-eighths (7⅝″) inches.Of course, this is the preferable size when the lintel block 10 isutilized in a wall of standard cinder blocks, concrete blocks or masonryblocks.

[0043] The first and second rectangular side members 14 and 16 arepreferably metallic planar plate members, which are secured together bythe rectangular base member 12 and the spacer members 18 so as to bespaced a predetermined distance apart from each other. The spacermembers 18 hold the first and second rectangular metal plate members 14and 16 substantially parallel to each other and reinforce the lintelblock 10. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, the spacer members 18are preferably substantially parallel to each other. Additionally, asseen in FIG. 2 (in broken phantom lines), a plurality of two (2″) inchpieces of Styrofoam 17 can optionally be arranged adjacent the secondside member 16. A plurality of concrete or cement receiving cavities areformed between the first and second rectangular side members 14 and 16and the spacer members 18. Each spacer member 18 preferably includes acentral square cutout 20 to reduce the weight of the spacer members 18and to allow fluid communication between the cement receiving cavities.Moreover, the spacer members 18 (with the cutouts 20) are configured toform a substantially straight longitudinal passageway arranged betweenthe first and second longitudinal side members 14 and 16.

[0044] Of course, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatthe first and second rectangular side members 14 and 16 could be formedseparately from the base member 12 using alternative manufacturingtechniques. For example, the base member 12 and the first and secondside members 14 and 16 could be formed as flat plates welded together ina conventional manner. Alternatively, the base member 12 and the firstand second side members 14 and 16 could be configured to be coupledtogether by rivets or bolts. In any event, the base member 12 and thefirst and second side members 14 and 16 should be configured to form afluid-tight seal for the lintel block 10.

[0045] The base member 12 preferably includes a pair of openings 22 aand 22 b formed therein, with the opening 22 a arranged at one end ofthe of the base member 12 and the other opening 22 b arranged at theopposite end of the base member 12. Each of the openings 22 a and 22 bis preferably a four (4″) square opening designed to receive a verticalreinforcing bar therethrough, as discussed below in more detail. Theopenings 22 a and 22 b are also designed to allow cement to flowdownwardly into blocks arranged below. The openings 22 a and 22 b arepreferably spaced about two (2″) inches from the respective ends of thelintel block 10. In other words, the lintel block 10 is preferablyarranged above an opening O formed in the block wall 11 and is longerthan the opening O so that the openings 22 a and 22 b are at leastpartially aligned with cement receiving cavities of the blocks of thewall, as discussed below.

[0046] The spacer members 18 are preferably constructed from ten gaugemild steel plate (ASTM A-36). The spacer members 18 can have roughly thesame height or a smaller height than the first and second rectangularplate members 14 and 16. In the illustrated embodiment, each of thespacer members 18 have a height of about six and five-eighths (6⅝″)inches. In other words, the spacer members 18 are preferably about one(1″) inch shorter than the height “A” of the lintel block 10. Preferablythe top of each spacer 18 is spaced about one-half (½″) inch from thetops of the first and second side members 14 and 16, while the bottom ofeach spacer member 18 is spaced about one-quarter (¼″) inch from thebase member 12. Thus, a ¼″ rectangular longitudinal passageway is alsoformed below the spacer members 18 adjacent the base member 12. Ofcourse, the height of the spacer members 18 can vary if needed and/ordesired. Thus, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that a reinforcing bar could optionally be arranged betweenthe spacer members 18 and the base member 12 if needed and/or desired.

[0047] Each spacer member 18 preferably includes a base portion 28 witha pair of bent end flanges 30 and 32 extending from opposite sides ofthe base portion 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the bent end flange30 or 32 coupled to the first side member 14 will be considered a firstmounting flange while the bent end flange 30 or 32 coupled to the secondside member 16 will be considered a second mounting flange. The hole orcutout 20 is formed in the base portion 28 of each spacer 18 and ispreferably a three and one-half (3½″) inch centrally located squarecutout. Each end flange 30 and 32 is preferably welded to one of thefirst and second side plates 14 and 16. Each of the spacer members 18 ispreferably formed as a one-piece unitary metal member by bending arectangular plate.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the lintel block 10 preferably hasseven (7) identical spacer members 18. Preferably, the spacer members 18are arranged along the entire length of the lintel block 10, with fourof the spacer members 18 arranged in a first orientation and three ofthe spacer members 18 arranged in a second opposite orientation.Specifically, the bent end flanges 30 and 32 of four of the spacermembers 18 extend in a first direction, while the bent end flanges 30and 32 of three of the spacer members 18 extend in a second directionopposite from the first direction, as seen in FIGS. 1-3. The spacermembers 18 arranged at the ends of the lintel block 10 face inwardly sothat their base portions 28 are aligned with the ends of the lintelblock. Preferably, the spacer members 18 are substantially equallyspaced along the length of the lintel block 10. Of course, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that thelintel block 10 could utilize more/fewer spacers 18 if needed and/ordesired. However, preferably, the lintel block 10 has at least four ofthe spacer members 18.

[0049] Of course, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that each spacer member 18 could be constructed ofseveral pieces or have different structures without departing from thescope of the present invention. For example, each spacer member could beformed of a pair of spacing straps to form an opening therebetween. Inany event, the spacer members 18 are configured to form at least onelongitudinal axial through passageway for receiving cement and/or areinforcing bar. In other words, a (horizontal) reinforcing bar canoptionally be mounted within the longitudinal passageway formed by thecutouts 20. The reinforcing rod can be welded within the cutouts 20during fabrication of the lintel block 10 or laid within the cutouts 20during installation of the lintel block 10 (and then optionally securedto the lintel block 10). Of course, it will be apparent to those skilledin the art from this disclosure that such a reinforcing bar could besecured to the lintel block 10 utilizing any suitable attachmenttechnique without departing from the scope of the present invention. Itwill also be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosurethat the spacers do not have to be identical, if needed and/or desired.

[0050] Alternatively, each spacer member 18 can have an additionalcutout (not shown in this embodiment) formed therein and arranged at thebottom edge for receiving cement and/or a reinforcing bar as discussedbelow in reference to another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. Additionally, a J-shaped bar support member can optionally becoupled to each spacer, as also discussed below in reference to anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, thereinforcing bar can be welded to the spacers, as also discussed below.

[0051] Construction of lintel block 10 will now be discussed in moredetail. As mentioned above, the rectangular base member 12 and the firstand second rectangular side members 14 and 16, and the spacers 18 arepreferably bent and welded together, respectively, to be fixedly coupledtogether in a conventional manner. More specifically, a plate ispreferably bent to form the rectangular base member 12 and the first andsecond rectangular side members 14 and 16. The spacers 18 are preferablywelded to the first and second rectangular side members 14 and 16 viathe end flanges 30 and 32 in a relatively conventional manner.

[0052] Of course, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatspacer members 18 could have other configurations, and could be fixedlycoupled to the first and second rectangular side members 14 and 16 byother conventional mounting methods (such as rivets, bolts, etc),without departing from the scope of the present invention. However, thespacers 18 are preferably welded to the first and second rectangularside members 14 and 16 to create an extremely strong, secure lintelblock 10.

[0053] Referring again to FIGS. 5 and 6, a perspective view of apartially constructed concrete block wall 11 is illustrated. Block wall11 is constructed from a plurality of conventional blocks 13 such ascinder blocks, concrete blocks or masonry blocks. Each of the blocks 13includes a pair of cement receiving cavities 13 a. The lintel block 10is shown installed between the concrete blocks 13 and above the openingO so that the lintel block 10 becomes an integral part of concrete blockwall 11. Additional rows of concrete blocks 13 can then be installedabove the lintel block 10 without significantly reducing the strength ofthe block wall 11.

[0054] An exemplary method of forming a lintel in a concrete block wall11 will now be described. In this exemplary method of permanentlyattaching and embedding the lintel block 10 into the concrete block wall11, the method includes the step of installing at least one lintel block10, as described above, into the concrete block wall 11 in place of aplurality of the blocks 13 during construction of the concrete blockwall 11. Installation of lintel block 10 is as follows. First, thecinder, concrete or masonry blocks 13 are laid down to beginconstruction of the concrete wall. The concrete block wall 11 isconstructed with the opening O using a plurality of concrete blocks 13coupled together by a cementing slurry C. The lintel block 10 isinstalled and secured into the concrete block wall 11 above the openingO with the cementing slurry C. The term “cementing slurring” as usedherein means any suitable paste or attachment material that does notnecessarily include concrete as an ingredient.

[0055] The cementing slurring C is preferably poured into the lintelblock and flows through the openings 22 a and 22 b into the concreteblocks 13 located below. Preferably, (first and second) vertical wallreinforcing bars R are inserted into the openings 22 a and 22 b of thelintel block 10. Optionally, a horizontal reinforcing bar similar toreinforcing bar R (not shown in this embodiment) can be arranged in thelongitudinal passageway formed by the cutouts 20 of the spacer members18, as discussed above. Reinforcing bars such as the reinforcing bar Ror the optional horizontal reinforcing bar are relatively well known inthe art. Thus, the exact size and/or material of the reinforcing bar Rwill not be discussed and/or illustrated in detail herein. Rather, itwill be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure thatany suitable size and/or material could be utilized for the reinforcingbar R or the optional horizontal reinforcing bar.

[0056] In other words, the lintel block 10 is placed unto the cinder,concrete or masonry blocks 13 of the concrete wall 11 in a desiredlocation of the opening O. The openings 22 a and 22 b are at leastpartially aligned with the cement receiving cavities of the cinder,concrete or masonry blocks 13. The vertical reinforcing bars R areplaced through the openings 22 a and 22 b and the cementing slurrymixture C is poured into the lintel block 10. Of course, the block wall11 can be constructed without reinforcing bars B. However, thereinforcing bars R add extra strength and security to the block wall 11.In other words, in some applications the cementing slurry C can provideadequate strength and reduced costs. However, the reinforcing bars R arepreferred in order to provide an extremely strong, secure block wall 11.

Second Embodiment—Modified Lintel Block

[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, a modified lintel block 110 isillustrated in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. The lintel block 110 is identical to lintel block 10,except that lintel block 110 includes spacers 118 having additionalcutouts 121 with a reinforcing bar R′ mounted therein. The remainingparts of the spacer members 118 are identical to the first embodiment.All of the spacer members 118 are identical to each other in thisembodiment although four of the spacer members 118 are oriented in afirst direction while three of the spacer members 118 are oriented in asecond direction opposite the first direction. The remaining componentsor parts of the lintel block 110 are identical to the parts of thelintel block 10 and have the same function of the correspondingcomponents or parts of the lintel block 10. In view of the similaritiesbetween this modified lintel block 110 and the lintel block 10, thesimilar parts of the lintel block 110 will not be discussed and/orillustrated in detail herein. Rather, the following description willfocus mainly on the differences. Moreover, the explanations ofcomponents or parts and the operations of this second embodiment thatare similar to components or parts and the operations of the firstembodiment will be omitted.

[0058] The lintel block 110 basically includes a rectangular base member112, a pair of generally rectangular side members 114 and 116 and theplurality of spacer members 118. The members 112, 114 and 116 areidentical to the members 12, 14 and 16 of the first embodiment.Moreover, the lintel block 110 is constructed in a manner substantiallyidentical to the first embodiment, except for the additional step ofmounting the reinforcing bar R′ in the additional cutouts 121 of themodified spacer members 118. Specifically, the reinforcing bar R′ ispreferably a metal bar that is welded within the cutouts 121 of thespacer members 118 after the members 112, 114, 116 and 118 are bent andcoupled together, respectively. The additional cutouts 121 are arrangedto be adjacent the base member 112, such that the reinforcing bar R′located in the additional cutouts 121 provides added strength for thelintel block 110. In other words, the spacer members 118 (with theadditional cutouts 121) are configured to form an additionalsubstantially straight longitudinal passageway for receiving thereinforcing bar R′. The lintel block 110 is designed to be mounted inthe block wall 11 by the method described in the first embodiment exceptas modified above.

[0059] Of course, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that the reinforcing bar R′ could be constructed of anysuitable material and/or size, as needed and/or desired. Moreover, itwill be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure thatthe reinforcing bar R′ could be utilized in the longitudinal passagewayof the lintel block 10 of the first embodiment.

Third Embodiment—Modified Lintel Block

[0060] Referring now to FIGS. 11-14, a modified lintel block 210 isillustrated in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. The lintel block 210 is identical to lintel block 10,except that lintel block 210 includes spacer members 218 that haveadditional cutouts 221 and support members 223. The remaining parts ofthe spacer members 218 are identical to the first embodiment. All of thespacer members 218 are identical although four spacer members 218 areoriented in a first direction while three of the spacer members 218 areoriented in a second direction opposite the first direction. Areinforcing bar R″ is preferably metal and is mounted in the cutouts 221and supported by the support members 223. The reinforcing bar R″ is notwelded to the spacer members 218 within the additional cutouts 221 inthis third embodiment. In other words, this embodiment is a modifiedversion of the second embodiment. The remaining components or parts ofthe lintel block 210 are identical to the parts of the lintel blocks 10and 110, and have the same function of the corresponding components orparts of the lintel blocks 10 and 110. In view of the similaritiesbetween this modified lintel block 210 and the lintel blocks 10 and 110,the similar parts of the lintel block 210 will not be discussed and/orillustrated in detail herein. Rather, the following description willfocus mainly on the differences. Moreover, the explanations ofcomponents or parts and the operations of this third embodiment that aresimilar to components or parts and the operations of the first andsecond embodiments will be omitted.

[0061] The lintel block 210 basically includes a rectangular base member212, a pair of generally rectangular side members 214 and 216 and theplurality of spacer members 218. The members 212, 214 and 216 areidentical to the members 12, 14 and 16 of the first embodiment.Moreover, the lintel block 210 is constructed in a manner substantiallyidentical to the first embodiment, except for the additional steps offixedly coupling the support members 223 to the spacer members 218 andmounting the reinforcing bar R″ in the additional cutouts 221 to besupported on the support members 223. Specifically, the support members223 are preferably J-shaped metal plate members that are welded to thespacer members 218 prior to coupling the spacer members 218 to the firstand second side members 214 and 216. The reinforcing bar R″ is thenremovably mounted on the support members 223 within the additionalcutouts 221. The additional cutouts 221 are arranged to be adjacent thebase member 212 (i.e. identical to the second embodiment), such that thereinforcing bar R″ located in the additional cutouts 221 provides addedstrength for the lintel block 210. Thus, in this embodiment, thereinforcing bar R″ is optional. In other words, the spacer members 218(with the additional cutouts 221) are configured to form an additionalsubstantially straight longitudinal passageway for optionally receivingthe reinforcing bar R″. The lintel block 210 is also designed to bemounted in the block wall 11 by the method described in the firstembodiment except as modified above.

[0062] Of course, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that the reinforcing bar R″ could be constructed of anysuitable material and/or size, as needed and/or desired. Moreover, itwill be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure thatthe reinforcing bar R″ could be utilized in the longitudinal passagewayof the lintel block 10 of the first embodiment.

[0063] The terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and“approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation ofthe modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.These terms should be construed as including a deviation of at least ±5%of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning ofthe word it modifies.

[0064] While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustratethe present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artfrom this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing description of theembodiments according to the present invention are provided forillustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention asdefined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An embeddable lintel block comprising: arectangular base member having a first longitudinal side and a secondlongitudinal side; a first rectangular side member coupled to said firstlongitudinal side of said rectangular base member; a second rectangularside member spaced from said first rectangular side member and coupledto said second longitudinal side of said rectangular base member; and aplurality of spacer members coupled between said first and secondrectangular side members.
 2. The embeddable lintel block according toclaim 1, wherein said spacer members are configured to form asubstantially straight longitudinal passageway arranged between saidfirst and second longitudinal side members.
 3. The embeddable lintelblock according to claim 2, further comprising a reinforcing bar coupledto said lintel block, said reinforcing bar being arranged within saidlongitudinal passageway.
 4. The embeddable lintel block according toclaim 1, wherein said first and second rectangular side members arefixedly coupled to said first and second longitudinal sides,respectively to form a substantially U-shaped cross-section.
 5. Theembeddable lintel block according to claim 1, wherein said rectangularbase member and said first and second rectangular side members areintegrally formed together as a one-piece unitary member.
 6. Theembeddable lintel block according to claim 1, wherein each of saidspacers includes a first mounting flange fixedly coupled to said firstlongitudinal side member and a second mounting flange fixedly coupled tosaid second longitudinal side member.
 7. The embeddable lintel blockaccording to claim 1, wherein said lintel block is constructed of metal.8. The embeddable lintel block according to claim 1, wherein said spacermembers are fixedly coupled to said first and second rectangular sidemembers by welding.
 9. The embeddable lintel block according to claim 1,wherein said lintel block has at least four of said spacer members. 10.The embeddable lintel block according to claim 1, wherein saidrectangular base member has a first opening arranged at a first end ofsaid lintel block and a second opening arranged at a second end of saidlintel block.
 11. A method of forming a lintel in a block wall,comprising the steps of: constructing said block wall with an openingusing a plurality of construction blocks coupled together by a cementingslurry; installing and securing a modular lintel block into said blockwall above said opening with said cementing slurry, said modular lintelblock having a height and width substantially equal to a correspondingheight and width of said construction blocks, and a length larger than acorresponding length of one of said construction blocks, said modularlintel block comprising a rectangular base member having a firstlongitudinal side and a second longitudinal side; a first rectangularside member coupled to said first longitudinal side of said rectangularbase member; a second rectangular side member spaced from said firstrectangular side member and coupled to said second longitudinal side ofsaid rectangular base member; and a plurality of spacer members coupledbetween said first and second rectangular side members.
 12. The methodaccording to claim 11, wherein said length of said modular lintel blockis substantially equal to a predetermined integer multiple of one-halflengths of said construction blocks.
 13. The method according to claim11, wherein said spacer members are configured to form a substantiallystraight longitudinal passageway arranged between said first and secondlongitudinal side members.
 14. The method according to claim 13, whereina lintel reinforcing bar is coupled to said modular lintel block withinsaid longitudinal passageway.
 15. The method according to claim 14,wherein said rectangular base member has a first opening arranged at afirst end of said modular lintel block and a second opening arranged ata second end of said modular lintel block.
 16. The method according toclaim 15, further comprising the steps of: providing first and secondwall reinforcing bars; inserting said first and second wall reinforcingbars in said first and second openings of said modular lintel block. 17.The method according to claim 11, wherein said rectangular base memberhas a first opening arranged at a first end of said modular lintel blockand a second opening arranged at a second end of said modular lintelblock.
 18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising thesteps of: providing first and second reinforcing bars; inserting saidfirst and second wall reinforcing bars in said first and second openingsof said modular lintel block.
 19. The method according to claim 11,further comprising the step of: pouring said cementing slurring intosaid modular lintel block.
 20. The method according to claim 11, whereinsaid modular lintel block includes at least four of said spacer members.21. The method according to claim 11, wherein said modular lintel blockis constructed of metal.